What makes State Street Sweet by Gerald Wilson notable?

State Street Sweet is notable for its innovative combinations of big band sounds with a modern twist, earning praise from critics for its lush arrangements. The album has been recognized within the jazz community and contributes to Wilson's legacy as a significant arranger and composer in American jazz history. By the time Gerald Wilson released State Street Sweet in 1995, he was an established figure in jazz, having previously gained acclaim with albums like Moment of Truth (1990). This album represents a continuation of his exploration into rich, orchestrated jazz compositions, showcasing his ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary influences.

How many songs are on State Street Sweet?

State Street Sweet has 10 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

State Street Sweet

Gerald Wilson · 1995

56 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of orchestral jazz and intricate arrangements that captures the essence of urban soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lakeshore Drive — This track exemplifies Wilson's skillful orchestration, featuring a smooth dialogue between brass and woodwinds that evokes the tranquility of a lakeside evening.
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The Serpent — Here, intricate rhythms intertwine with melodic lines to create a sense of playful tension, showcasing both Wilson's compositional prowess and the band's improvisational talents.
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Jammin' in C — An expansive piece that allows each musician to shine, this track encapsulates the lively spontaneity of jazz while remaining tightly arranged.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's rich arrangements and distinctive sound set it apart in the jazz genre, though its impact is more niche.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between brass and woodwind sections, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the record.
The final track concludes with a gradual decrescendo, allowing the listener to absorb the lush textures before the album ends.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 State Street Sweet 2:46
2 Lakeshore Drive 6:04
3 Lighthouse Blues 7:48
4 Come Back to Sorrento 5:19
5 The Serpent 4:03
6 The Feather 5:54
7 Caprichos 6:28
8 Jammin' in C 8:47
9 Carlos 6:35
10 Nancy Jo 2:21

What to play next

Listen next

Theme for Monterey

1997

Go back to

Jenna

1989

Full Gerald Wilson discography Artists like Gerald Wilson

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata